AI Readiness and Assessment Tools

In an era of rapid technological shifts, transportation agencies face the daunting task of moving from curiosity to being "road-ready". A Capability Maturity Model (CMM) can serve as a guiding "compass" for this journey, providing a structured approach to assess an agency's readiness for AI implementation at different scales. For transportation agencies of different types and sizes, an AI CMM offers a customizable, structured approach to self-assessment that bridges the gap between different program areas or roles.

Agency leadership and staff can leverage the results of a CMM assessment to collaboratively identify key focus areas for advancement, establish high-priority AI goals, and establish specific priorities that align available strategies and resources to move purposefully between levels of AI maturity.

The Intelligent Transportation Systems Joint Program Office (ITS JPO) is updating its 2022 AI CMM framework and will provide new AI readiness resources. These will include an enhanced AI CMM framework and online tool (with new institutional and technical assessment dimensions) along with curated reports, fact sheets, quick start guides, and supporting workshops and webinars.

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AI for ITS Capability Maturity Model (CMM) and Readiness Checklists

The AI for ITS CMM and Readiness Checklists can help agencies assess their AI readiness. A new report framework, quick start guide and online tool will be available in Fall 2026.

AI Implementation Foundations

Short, focused reads on the key topics transportation agencies need to understand when adopting AI.

AI Knowledge Sharing Opportunities

Knowledge sharing transforms individual agency experiences into a collective national asset, ensuring that no one agency has to navigate the complexities of AI in isolation. By openly discussing what works and what doesn't, agencies can accelerate their own AI deployments while avoiding pitfalls or pain points encountered by others. The ITS JPO is implementing a range of knowledge sharing strategies, including:

• Webinars and Workshops: Accessible platforms for rapid information dissemination and deeper dives into specific technical topics.
• Peer Exchanges and Cohorts: Collaborative dialogue amongst agencies with similar challenges sharing AI implementation strategies in a structured, small-group setting.
• Conferences: In-person networking opportunities for cross-program AI connections and the showcasing of success stories and effective practices.
• Case Study Libraries and Playbooks: Centralized digital hubs that house standardized templates, procurement language, and lessons learned to provide a self-service path to maturity.

AI Informational Materials

High-quality informational materials serve as the essential bridge between AI concepts and actual AI implementation.  This includes development of a range of AI information materials tailored to specific audiences. This targeted approach democratizes knowledge across different program areas and maturity levels, turning AI into a transparent and manageable tool.  The ITS JPO is developing a range of strategies to meet different types of AI information needs, including:

• White Papers and Technical Reports: Provide deep-dive analysis on emerging trends and topics.
• Curated AI Glossaries and Guides: Establish a "common language" by providing clear, non-technical definitions for AI concepts and various model types.
• Playbooks and FAQs: Offer the "how-to" for different aspects of AI and quick answers to common implementation hurdles.
• Interactive Deployment Maps: Visualize national progress, helping agencies identify peers with similar geographic or implementation challenges.
• Fact Sheets and Briefs: Concise, high-impact summaries on a range of AI topics and practices.